In today’s society, health is something you should not overlook because everything ages with time. As a result, it’s important to take precautions for your loved one and ensure that all medical gadgets and home care equipment is in good working order. As a caregiver or a patient, you may recognize some of these items, which are commonly found at a hospital or doctor’s office.
However, we regularly see people in wheelchairs or walking with canes in the neighborhood, but we seldom notice what kind of equipment they’re using. The importance of having the appropriate walker, orthotics, brace, or other medical equipment cannot be overstated. Medical equipment that is insufficient or unsuitable may jeopardize a patient’s health and well-being. When your health or the health of someone you care about is at stake, making an informed choice about these items is critical.
You must have heard about the company home care Lakewood that uses these types of home care equipment. Many other companies do as well. These tools not only make life easier, but also make life better for the senior and the caregiver.
Types of Home Care Equipment
- Forehead thermometer
- Reusable waterproof underpad
- Hospital bed
- Transfer sling gait belt
- Digital blood pressure machine
- Neck and shoulder relaxer
- Wheelchair
- Reacher grabber tool
- Digital fingertip pulse oximeter
- 7 day pill organizer
- Nebulizers
Forehead Thermometer
Price: $10 – $60
The forehead thermometer is also known as the temporal artery thermometer. It uses infrared technology to detect the temperature of the temporal artery on the forehead. Most of the time, you just brush the thermometer against a person’s forehead or gently press the probe against their temple.
They’re as accurate as a rectal temperature reading. Temporal thermometers are a far more preferred method of collecting temperatures since they are noninvasive and allow caregivers to ensure that the ambient temperature is taken into account.
Temporal thermometers self-calibrate after each reading and may be wiped with any alcohol wipe afterward.
Reusable Waterproof Underpad
Price: $20 – $30
Chux produces many products, including underpads, which are very absorbent pads that protect the mattress from urine damage. The pad, which can be placed above or below the sheets (according to personal choice), catches leaking fluids, making it a perfect choice for seniors with urinary incontinence.
When using an underpad, there are three areas to keep in mind.
First, the backing has a low coefficient of friction to prevent frictional skin injury.
Second, moisture is promptly absorbed and dissipated throughout the pad by an inner absorbent core.
Third, the core and cover material can retain moisture and prevent wet-back or fluid return.
You can find some versions designed for chairs. With these, each of the four ends of the underpad surface is connected to the waterproof reusable bag by four adhesive strips. These 5 cm long strips are perfect for fastening the seat of a wheelchair or chair.
Hospital Beds
Price: $350 – $500
A hospital bed, sometimes known as a hospital cot, is a bed that is specifically intended for hospitalized patients or those who require medical attention. These beds offer unique characteristics that benefit the patient’s comfort and well-being as well as the convenience of healthcare professionals.
Hospital beds may be readily modified. They may be adjusted up and down to make getting in and out of bed simpler. They also make it much more convenient for carers to help the person using the bed. They’re not just found at hospitals either. You can find similar beds to use for seniors living at home.
The ability to adjust the bed means that there will be fewer uncomfortable sleeping postures or unnatural positions. As a result, the bed can really help users to get a decent night’s sleep, even when they have mobility or other health issues.
Transfer Sling Gait Belt
Price: $30 – $70
A transfer sling and gait belt combines a transfer belt with a sling to provide the necessary support and assistance while moving a person or patient. The sling and gait belt make a sling by supporting behind the back and beneath the knees. This sling is best for sitting-pivot transfers. It may be used as a one- or two-person lift. and can hold up to 500 pounds.
A transfer gait belt with handles is typically used when transporting a patient from their bed to a wheelchair or vice versa. The patient wraps his or her arms around the waist of the caregiver, offering support to both of them. During recuperation, a patient’s doctor may recommend that they walk every day to obtain some exercise. Walking assistance can be provided by a skilled physiotherapist, caregiver, or even a family member.
The tool will enable the help provider to maintain a firm grip on the patient when supporting them out of bed and even when they attempt to walk on their own.
Digital Blood Pressure Machine
Price: $30 – $50
A digital monitor comes with an LCD screen that displays blood pressure readings and an arm cuff. The monitor usually comes with a self-inflating cuff that inflates once the machine is switched on and the cuff is secured properly.
There are other digital blood pressure monitors that have unique features such as the ability to collect readings from your finger or wrist.
A digital blood pressure monitor uses current technology and an automated method to check blood pressure. In addition to being portable and tiny, some of them may save your blood pressure readings in the monitor’s memory, allowing you to review your data at any time.
Neck and Shoulder Relaxer
Price: $15 – $25
The neck and shoulder relaxer uses Electronic Pulse Massage (EPM) technology and high-frequency vibrations to massage your neck and back. Infrared heat is also included in the collar to aid blood flow and relaxation.
This type of home care equipment can relieve pain in as little as 10 minutes. It comes with electrical frequency pads that may be placed anywhere on the body to help with neck and shoulder pain.
Both tension and physical pain and discomfort can be alleviated with the use of a neck and shoulder relaxer. It does not require assembly and may be used straight away. When the user wraps it around their neck, the treatment instantly begins, so proves to be very convenient. There are a lot of intelligent neck massagers that you can choose from depending on your need. The best ones feature different massage modes and intensity levels to accommodate your comfort level.
Wheelchair
Price: $1500 – $2500
An electric wheelchair, also known as an electric-powered wheelchair, motorized wheelchair, or power chair, is any seating surface with wheels attached that is pushed by an electrically based power source, often motors and batteries.
Electric wheelchair users can now achieve a degree of independence that was before unachievable. Electric wheelchairs are a great alternative for people who can’t or can’t stand for long periods of time.
Power chairs come with a simple joystick for easy movement control and can be modified to fit any disability. Many are adjustable in height, tilt, reclining, and leg space. Check out our other article for help in choosing the best wheelchair for your loved one.
Reacher Grabber Tool
Price: $10 – $30
Reacher grabbers, also known as hand grip pick up tools, act as an extension of your arm, allowing you to reach objects higher on a shelf or lower on the floor with more ease. Grabbers are available in a variety of lengths and characteristics, including a magnet for scooping up coins and other metal objects.
The grabber reacher is meant to assist you in picking up items that would otherwise need you to climb, bend down or get on your knees, or move anything. Its simple design and ease of use make learning faster and more uncomplicated than ever before.
Another useful application is when driving a lawnmower. Bending over, climbing, or crawling may be impossible or may even cause an injury if you have a handicap, are getting older, or are pregnant.
For longevity and simplicity of use, the shaft is constructed of rust-proof lightweight aluminum, while the interior wire is made of steel cable.
Digital Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Price: $18 – $30
A pulse oximeter (like this one) is a small, clip-like device that is worn on the toes or the earlobe. It’s generally worn on a finger and is commonly used in critical care settings such as ERs and hospitals. Some physicians, such as pulmonologists, may use it in the office.
Pulse oximeters can help people with conditions that affect their oxygen saturation. A sleep specialist can prescribe a pulse oximeter to track someone’s nightly oxygen saturation level if they have suspected sleep apnea or excessive snoring.
Pulse oximetry is used by certain doctors to verify the safety of physical activity in patients with cardiovascular or respiratory problems, or to recommend that they wear one while exercising. A clinician could employ pulse oximetry as part of a stress test.
7 Day Pill Organizer
Price: $5 – $10
Pill boxes and pill organizers are available in many shapes, sizes, and combinations, allowing you to keep your daily medications organized in sections. They’re often tiny, fitting into a handbag, briefcase, or pocket, allowing you to carry your medications with you everywhere you go.
A pill box organizer makes keeping track of your medicines a breeze, as you can simply fill it once a week.
Your medicine or vitamin consumption for the day will be kept in the medium-sized compartments. The design of a standard pill organizer keeps your medicine safe, but it isn’t childproof. Pill boxes may also be used to hold other small items.
Nebulizers
Price: $50 or above
A nebulizer is a type of home care equipment that turns liquid medication into a vapor, mist, or aerosol that may be inhaled directly into the lungs. It operates in the same way as an old-fashioned “Flit” sprayer in that it uses electricity to create compressed air, which converts liquid medicine into vapors
This device is helpful for little children who are unable to use any other inhaling apparatus. It’s helpful for older people who have trouble controlling their inhalers. In the case of an acute assault, this kit is useful for self-use at home. Having a nebulizer at home gives the patient peace of mind knowing effective therapy is close by. Nebulized medicines give greater treatment for certain extremely severe asthmatics as compared to standard inhaler devices.
Final Thoughts
In this post, we’ve covered a variety of types of home care equipment that people rarely know about. There are many other options too. Such tools can make life much easier for the caregiver and care recipient.
However, it’s always important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations when using any type of equipment, especially if you haven’t used that type of product before.
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